Spiegel Sohmer is a firm of attorneys offering state-of-the-art expertise to a diversified business clientele seeking solutions that are innovative, concrete, and pragmatic. Our firm groups some forty five attorneys who concentrate principally within three broad specialties: business law (including Intellectual Property), tax law and litigation. Spiegel Sohmer has extensive experience representing companies at all stages of their life cycle, from start up through to exit, and also represents a wide array of investors: www.spiegelsohmer.com

Gold Sponsor

Richter is, above all, a financial consulting services firm offering strategic support and has been a recognized member of the business community since 1926. Richter entire team consists of more than 450 partners, experts, high-level professionals and administrative employees. Because of this collective expertise, our firm has an unrivalled reputation and has earned the respect of the business community.

National Bank helps home-grown businesses expand by offering them personalized service and banking solutions adapted to their needs. We strive to develop integrated, diversified and innovative business solutions that will meet the needs of your business at every phase of its existence. We offer a full range of financial services to individual clients, SMEs and large companies. Whatever your sector of activity, our team of experts will be able to advise you and assist you with every stage of your business growth. www.bnc.ca

Silver Sponsors

Futurpreneur Canada is the only national, non-proﬁt organization to provide ﬁnancing, mentoring, and support tools for every business stage to aspiring business owners and startup founders: www.futurpreneur.ca

Founded in 1904, Kruger Inc. is a major producer of publication papers, tissue, lumber and other wood products, corrugated cartons from recycled fibres, green and renewable energy and wines and spirits. The Company is also a leader in paper and paperboard recycling in North America. Kruger operates facilities in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and the United States. (www.kruger.com)

Community Partners

The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) accelerates a thriving, early-stage investing ecosystem in Canada by connecting individuals, groups, and other partners that support Angel-stage investing. NACO provides intelligence, tools and resources for its members; facilitates key connections across networks, borders and industries; and helps to inform policy affecting the Angel asset-class.

Anges Québec’s mission is to help its angel investors make profitable investments in innovative companies in a wide range of industries and in all regions of Quebec. To this end, Anges Québec identifies the best entrepreneurs and business projects and supports the Anges Québec members who finance them.

Noticias Montrealis a Spanish-language media based in Montreal and founded by a group of immigrant journalists. Its main goal is to provide the latest news, information and features about Montreal, Quebec, Canada. NM wants to offer a helping hand in the immigration and integration process of the numerous newcomers as well as promoting the Spanish language.

La Gare is a collaborative workspace. A place to work, connect and learn in the heart of the Mile End.

Only Fools Launch Startups for Fame and Fortune

Learning from someone who has been there, done that, is always huge bonus when starting something new. Having professional insight to the ins and outs of starting up can help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid lethal mistakes, and maybe even get a leg up on the competition.

In this Q&A, Founder Institute mentor, Joe Abraham, shares valuable insights from his experience as a serial entrepreneur. His most prudent piece of advice: don't do it for the fame or fortune.

1. Why is it so important for experienced founders to mentor new founders?

a. It's a 2-way learning experience: As much as I thought I'd be teaching a startup founder a thing or two, they taught me a ton more. It is truly a mutually beneficial alliance. I share my insights and experience. They share their fresh ideas, passion and creativity.

b. It re-energizes the entrepreneur in you: Any seasoned entrepreneur would agree that at some point along the way, we need our engines re-fired up. Spending time with the next generation of rockstar entrepreneurs refreshes perspective and re-energizes commitment like nothing else. It's my personal recharging station.

c. It's a responsibility: Truth be told, someone bet on me (and you) at some point early in our entrepreneurial journey. They may have done it on a 5 minute phone call or over 5 months of hands-on mentorship. But they had a game changing impact on us. It's our responsibility to do our best to be that person to the next entrepreneur. Nobody can advise an entrepreneur the way another entrepreneur can. We just have to do it.

2. What are the one or two pieces of advice you tell new founders that you wish you knew when you got started?

First, if you're doing it for fame and fortune. Don't do it. Do it to change your little piece of the world. Find 5 other reasons to launch that have nothing to do with personal income or recognition.

Second, don't go it alone. Cofounder(s), advisors and a business coach are mission critical to success. As smart as you think you are, your mind will play tricks on you and get you to make some pretty dopey decisions along the way. Having the right team surrounding you will ensure you get it as close to right as possible.

Third, know your #entrepreneurial DNA. Discover if Builder, Opportunist, Specialist or Innovator DNA drive you - and what to do about it. Learn more here.

3. What is the hardest lesson you had to learn as an entrepreneur?

Humility. I came into entrepreneurship proud, arrogant and somewhat "uncoachable". It took a while, but I was humbled by people and circumstance. I find myself making better decisions today - and much of it comes down to not thinking I walk on water.

4. What is the best piece of entrepreneurial advice you ever received?

"Stay in the helicopter", said an uber-successful entrepreneur I got to build a company with. Anytime I'd want to get involved in the details, he'd remind me that the CEO's job is to set the vision/direction and let really smart people figure out how to make it a reality.

The Founder Institute is the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, helping aspiring founders across the globe build enduring technology companies. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 50 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 1,550 companies in 6 years. The company's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and build sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.